Production Manager

Production Manager

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (flexibility required)

• Competitive salary of £50,000
• 28 days’ holiday including bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Paid Christmas shutdown day
• Workplace pension
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes
• Recognition and referral bonus schemes
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive, people-focused culture with genuine development opportunities

The Opportunity

A well-established and growing food manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day production operations. This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving performance, ensuring product quality, and maintaining high standards of food safety and operational compliance.

You will oversee production teams, manage schedules and resources, and play a central role in continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and productivity. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will support ongoing growth and operational excellence.

• Manage the day-to-day running of the production operation, resolving issues efficiently.
• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to meet operational KPIs and customer requirements.
• Plan and manage production schedules to maximise output and minimise downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across productivity, quality, and cost control.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including BRCGS.
• Champion health & safety best practice, maintaining a safe working environment.
• Line manage Shift Managers and Section Leaders, including performance reviews and development plans.
• Handle escalated employee relations matters professionally and consistently.
• Identify resourcing needs, supporting recruitment and onboarding activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support equipment reliability, process improvements, and product launches.
• Produce performance reports and contribute to operational and senior management meetings.
• Maintain accurate production documentation and IT systems in line with regulatory requirements.

• Proven experience in a Production Manager role within food manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and BRC requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and driving high performance.
• A collaborative, credible leadership style with the ability to influence positively.
• Highly organised, with strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• Confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• IT literate, numerate, and detail-focused.
• Hands-on, adaptable, and calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset; exposure to Lean principles is desirable.